The Hope Jar Page 16

  “If you have something else to do, I can get the mail on the way to or from my reflexology appointment.” Mary Ruth began clearing the table.

  “No, that’s okay. I’ll get the mail now and bring it in before you go.” Michelle sprang to her feet. It was important that she be the one to get the mail, in case another letter came from the Lapps’ true granddaughter.

  “All right then, I’ll start the dishes while you’re doing that.”

  Willis looked up from the newspaper he had just unfolded to read. “Sara, would you like to say goodbye to the puppies who’ll be going home with their new owners today?” he asked.

  Michelle nodded. While she hated to see the pups leave, it was nice to know they’d be going to good homes. It was hard to believe the rambunctious little critters were over six weeks old already. Willis had asked around to see who might want one, and with the exception of Rascal, all the puppies had been spoken for.

  Michelle thought about how Willis and Mary Ruth had given her the puppy as a birthday gift. She’d become attached to the little fellow and wished she could take him along when she left the Lapps’ home for good. But it wasn’t a wise idea, since Michelle had no idea where she was going for sure or what kind of a place she might end up renting.

  “Your cousin Lenore should be here around ten o’clock, so you have plenty of time between now and then to spend with the pups,” Willis commented.

  “Okay. I’m going out to get the mail now, and then I’ll head to the barn as soon as I’ve done the dishes for Grandma.” She looked at Mary Ruth. “I don’t want you to be late for your appointment. I’ve heard that reflexology can help with a good many things.”

  “Yes, and my friend, who treats people for a donation only, says massaging the feet and its pressure points can bring relief when my neck, back, or head starts to hurt.” The older woman’s face radiated with joy. “I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Sara. You’re such a sweet granddaughter.”

  Michelle cringed inwardly. If Mary Ruth knew the real me, she wouldn’t think I was so sweet.

  As Michelle made her way out to the mailbox, her shoulders slumped. How much longer could she keep doing this? If Mary Ruth or Willis ever went out and got the mail before she did and found a letter from the real Sara, Michelle would be caught in her trap full of lies. She tried not to think about it and simply concentrate on enjoying being here for as long as she could, but it became harder every day.

  When Michelle approached the mailbox, a car sped by, going much too fast, and leaving a trail of dust following it. She could still hear the gravel crunching under the tires as the vehicle raced farther up the road. Didn’t people have better sense than to travel at a high rate of speed on these back country roads? Anyone who lived in the area had to know horse and buggies traveled up and down this road. Even the tourists, who came to observe the Amish people living in the area, should know better than to exceed the speed limit.

  Michelle looked up and down the road. Fortunately, there were no children out with pony carts this morning. In fact, she didn’t see any horses and buggies.

  Michelle remembered Ezekiel saying during her driving lesson last week that buggy accidents could occur from many causes: human error, horse error, runaway horses, barking dogs, certain road conditions, loud noises from motorcycles or trucks, and of course speeding cars. In his opinion, most accidents happened because non-Amish drivers were either inconsiderate or in too big of a hurry.

  Michelle had to agree. She’d witnessed some Amish buggies being cut off by vehicles trying to pass. As long as she was given an opportunity to drive an Amish buggy, she would use caution.

  Directing her thoughts back to the mailbox, she pulled on the handle and reached inside for the stack of mail. Thumbing through the ads and bills, she discovered another letter from Sara Murray.

  Oh no. Her fingers trembled as she stuck the letter in her pocket. I wish she’d stop sending letters. It freaks me out every time another one comes.

  Michelle ran up the driveway and into the house, nearly colliding with Willis, who stood near the back door.

  “Whoa! Where are ya going in such a hurry?” he asked, stepping aside.

  “I just wanted to put the mail on the table so I could get started on the dishes.”

  “No hurry about the mail.” Willis raised his thick brows. “The postman usually brings bills and advertising catalogs, and an occasional letter from someone we know. So I doubt we got anything that can’t wait to be looked at till later.” He gestured to the stack of mail as Michelle placed it on the table. “Right now, I have chores to do, so I’d better get outside before the day warms too much. Heard it’s going to be another hot one.” Willis made a hasty exit out the back door.

  Michelle figured Mary Ruth was in her room getting ready for her appointment, so she would wait until after she left to open Sara’s letter. In the meantime, there were dishes to do.

  As soon as the dishes were done, and Mary Ruth had left the house, Michelle raced upstairs to her room. She couldn’t take the chance of Willis coming back inside and finding her reading Sara’s letter. Since the dishes were done and no one had shown up yet to pick up their puppy, this was the perfect time to see what Sara had written.

  Michelle took a seat on the bed and tore open the envelope. Reading it silently, she frowned.

  Dear Grandpa and Grandma,

  I received your letter and wanted to reassure you that I won’t come to visit until sometime in October. I am wondering, however, if you have a telephone. If so, could you please write back and give me the number? That way I can keep in better contact and let you know exactly when I might be coming to Strasburg.

  Your granddaughter,

  Sara

  Michelle placed the letter in her lap and groaned. How am I going to answer that? Maybe I’ll just ignore it. I do have to destroy this letter though, and I’d better do it now.

  Rising from the bed, she ripped the letter into small pieces, then hurried downstairs. She would throw the remnants in the burn barrel, like she’d done before. It was the only way to keep the Lapps from finding out that she wasn’t Sara Murray.

  Chapter 21

  Michelle sat on the back porch, holding Rascal in her lap. The puppy’s soft, fleecy fur was nothing like his mother’s yet, and it would be awhile before he lost his sharp puppy teeth. Since he was the only pup left from the litter, Michelle hoped to pay more attention to Rascal and maybe teach him some tricks. Rascal needed to get more social too. In a way, Michelle wished he would stay in this smaller stage, so adorable and cute. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t get the chance to see the dog when he was all grown up. The poor little guy seemed lonely without his brothers and sisters to play with. They’d all gone home with their happy new owners yesterday.

  Michelle sighed. I hope all the puppies adjust to their new surroundings. She understood how the pups may have felt last night, without the comfort of their mother, brothers, and sisters. Even though Michelle had been taken from an abusive home and put in a better, more stable one, she had always felt out of place in the foster home and lonely for her younger brothers.

  Even Sadie, lying listlessly on the porch beside Michelle, wasn’t herself today. It almost appeared as if the dog’s eyes were weeping. One would think after caring for a batch of pups all these weeks, the dog would be somewhat relieved to see them go. But apparently Sadie’s maternal instinct was stronger than her need to have time to herself. Although Michelle wasn’t a mother, she figured any good parent would feel the same way—putting the needs of their offspring ahead of their own. It hurt to think that her own flesh-and-blood parents had never cared much about nurturing their children or meeting their needs. Michelle’s mom and dad had so many problems they could barely function at times, much less provide a stable environment for their family.

  Lest she give in to self-pity, Michelle put her focus on Rascal again. “You’re sure a cute little thing.” The puppy’s floppy ears perked up when she stroked his head. “
Maybe what we all need is a little exercise. It might help us not feel so gloomy.”

  Michelle lifted the pup and set him on the porch beside his mother. Then she hopped up, ran into the yard, and picked up a small stick. “Come on Sadie—fetch!” Michelle tossed the stick across the yard.

  Perking right up, the collie lifted her head, leaped off the porch, and chased after the stick. Then she brought it back to Michelle and dropped it at her feet.

  “Good girl, Sadie.” Michelle picked it up and threw it again.

  Woof! Woof! Sadie took off like a streak. Apparently this playtime was just what she needed.

  As if not to be outdone, Rascal practically flew off the porch and chased after his mother, yipping all the way.

  Michelle figured Sadie wouldn’t give up her stick, so she found a smaller one and tossed it for Rascal. It didn’t take the little fellow long to get the hang of playing fetch, for soon he was romping back and forth, grabbing the stick in his mouth. Of course, getting him to bring it to Michelle was another matter. Once he got hold of the stick and claimed it for his own, Rascal raced off to the other side of the yard. In order to regain the twig, Michelle had to chase after the pup. Sadie, however, kept bringing her stick back to Michelle, and the game continued.

  Michelle worked with Rascal a bit more, now that Sadie laid down to watch. “I’m sure you are too young yet, but for fun, I’ll give it a try.”

  She sat the pup down and put the stick in front of him. When Rascal picked it up, Michelle gave a command. “No Rascal.” She took the stick from his mouth, and placed it back on the grass. Michelle did this a few times, until Rascal finally sat there staring at the stick when she said no.

  Then Michelle commanded Rascal to bring the stick to her. “Come Rascal. Bring me the stick.” Michelle giggled when Rascal stayed sitting and cocked his head to one side. In hopes that the pup would understand, she took the stick and put it in Rascal’s mouth, telling him to “Stay.” Then, patting the side of her leg, she gave the command again. “Come, Rascal.”

  Rascal took off with the stick in his mouth, but instead of bringing it to her, he headed in the opposite direction.

  Michelle chased after him but was soon out of breath and laughing so hard her sides ached. “Whew! Your pup is wearing me out, Sadie. But Rascal did pretty well for his first time chasing a stick.” She plopped down next to Sadie and rubbed a spot between the collie’s ears. It felt good to be so carefree and able to find enjoyment in the simple things. If she truly was the Lapps’ granddaughter, she would stay here permanently and perhaps, if she ever felt ready, even join the Amish church someday. Right now though, she didn’t know enough about their way of life or religious beliefs to determine if she could become a church member. Of course, under the circumstances, becoming Amish was nothing but a foolish notion. Once her true identity had been revealed, no Amish member would want her to be a part of their church.

  Sadie barked when a horse and buggy pulled into the yard, and Rascal dropped his stick and joined in, making smaller Arf! Arf! noises.

  Michelle shielded her eyes against the glare of the sun, watching as Ezekiel pulled up to the hitching rail. She wondered if he’d come to give her another driving lesson.

  Ezekiel hopped out of his buggy and quickly secured his horse. “Hey, how’s it going?” He waved at Sara.

  “It’s going good.” She motioned to the yapping dogs. “I was entertaining Sadie and Rascal. Thought I’d try to teach the little fellow how to fetch.”

  “How’d he do?”

  “Not too bad for as young as he is.” Michelle offered a thumbs-up and grinned. “I’m sure he’ll get the hang of it in time.”

  Ezekiel squatted down and greeted the animals. “I take it Willis must have found homes for the rest of Sadie’s pups?”

  “Yes. Only my little Rascal is left to pester his mother.”

  Ezekiel wiped his chin when Sadie became a little too exuberant and gave him a few slurps with her tongue.

  Meanwhile, Rascal kept busy tugging on Sara’s shoelaces. Laughing, she bent down and picked the puppy up, rubbing her cheek against his soft fur.

  “Where are Willis and Mary Ruth today?” Ezekiel asked. “Are they in the house?”

  Sara shook her head. “Grandpa went to meet with the other ministers in their district about something pertaining to one of the church members who is having some physical problems. And Grandma is helping her Amish neighbor Caroline, who just got out of the hospital.”

  “Oh? What’s wrong with Caroline?”

  “She had her gall bladder removed.”

  “That’s too bad. I hear gall bladder issues can be quite painful.” Sara nodded. “What brings you by today, Ezekiel? Did you come to give me another driving lesson?”

  “Not exactly, but if you agree to come with me, you can drive on the way back, because I plan on going after my own vehicle.”

  Her eyes widened. “I’m not sure what vehicle you’re talking about, but there is no way I’m driving a horse and buggy by myself.” Sara shook her head vigorously. “I am nowhere near ready for that.”

  “I figured if I followed along slowly behind, you’d be okay.” Ezekiel couldn’t hide his excitement. “I bought that truck I told ya about, and I wanna park it on my cousin’s property. From there, we’ll head back here to your grandparents’ place.”

  Sara’s forehead creased. “Wait a minute now. Didn’t you ask if I’d be willing to teach you how to drive a car?”

  “Well, yes, but …”

  “So if you don’t know how to drive, how are you going to follow me anywhere?”

  Ezekiel’s ears burned like someone had set them on fire. “Sorry if I misled you. The fact is, I’ve been practicing some in my friend Abe’s car. And even though I don’t have my license yet, I’m able to drive fairly well. I just need a little more practice. And I did get my learner’s permit the other day,” he quickly added.

  Sara glared at him. “But you shouldn’t drive by yourself with only a learner’s permit—not to mention still needing more practice. If you were to get stopped by a cop, it wouldn’t be good. And your folks would probably find out about it too.”

  Ezekiel folded his arms. “I’m well aware of all that. But it’s only a short distance from where I’ll be picking up the truck to my cousin’s house, and I’ll be very careful.”

  “I have a better idea. Why don’t you let me drive the truck to your cousin’s and you can drive your horse and buggy? That would be much safer, don’t you think?”

  “How ’bout we discuss this on the way to get the truck?” He moved closer to Sara, giving fluttery hand movements as he talked. “Will you please go with me? I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

  “You don’t need to make anything up to me.” Sara tugged her ponytail. “I’ll go because you’re my friend, but let me first put the puppy away. I also need to leave a note for my grandparents, so they won’t worry if they get back while I’m gone.”

  He drew a deep breath through his nose. “Thanks, Sara. I really appreciate this.”

  Michelle’s fingers gripped the reins so tightly her knuckles whitened. She had to be crazy to let Ezekiel talk her into driving his horse and buggy without him along to tell her what to do. “But how could I refuse him when he sounded so excited to drive the truck?” Michelle’s breath came out in nervous spurts of air. “Steady, boy. Easy does it.” Why hadn’t Ezekiel asked his cousin or one of his friends to go along with him, instead of relying on her? They would have handled Big Red much better than she ever could. Every bump she encountered and every passing of a car put Michelle’s nerves on edge. But so far the horse was behaving himself. He just plodded along at a steady pace.

  Michelle glanced in the side mirror and saw Ezekiel’s truck behind her. She wondered if he was worried about driving it by himself, with so little experience.

  As a convertible passed on the opposite side of the road, Michelle’s fear escalated. It was the same group of guys who had taunted her
the day she’d walked back to the Lapps’ from the post office. If Brad hadn’t shown up when he did, Michelle didn’t know what she would have done, or how far the young men might have gone in their quest to torment her.

  I hope they didn’t recognize me. Don’t know what I would do if they turned around and came back to give me trouble.

  She glanced in her mirror again and relaxed a bit when their vehicle kept going. If they had come alongside the buggy and given her any problems, Michelle hoped Ezekiel would have come to her rescue the way Brad had that day.

  Michelle jumped when Ezekiel tooted his horn behind. Luckily, Big Red didn’t seem to be affected by the noise.

  She glanced in the mirror again, and seeing the truck’s right blinker come on, she guided the horse up the next driveway. This must be where Ezekiel’s cousin lived. What a relief to know she would soon be turning the horse and buggy over to Ezekiel.

  His cousin’s farm was neat as a pin, just like the Lapps’ place. Instead of pigs in the barnyard, however, Michelle saw a small herd of floppy-eared goats. Some were white, and others were black. It was cute how they all came up to the fence and noisily bleated, curious to see who had arrived.

  Michelle had just pulled Big Red up to the hitching rail near the barn when she heard the shrill sound of a siren. She stepped down from the buggy in time to see a police car pull in behind Ezekiel’s truck. Oh no. I wonder what he did wrong. Or could it have been me?

  Chapter 22

  Ezekiel’s mouth felt so dry he could barely swallow. He couldn’t imagine what he’d done wrong, other than maybe following the buggy too close. He got out of his new truck and stood by the door, waiting for the officer to approach. He was glad when Sara joined him, because he needed the moral support.